MT. PLEASANT, MI -- Central Michigan University President George E. Ross welcomed new members into the university's extended family following a double homicide in a residence hall that shook the campus and surrounding community.

James Eric Davis Jr., a 19-year-old Central Michigan University student is accused of fatally shooting his parents -- James Davis Sr. and Diva Davis -- on Friday, March 2 inside a dorm room in Campbell Hall with his father's gun.

In a statement released Saturday, March 3, Ross said the news "saddened all of us, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the Davis family."

An hours-long search for Davis Jr. by more than 100 law enforcement personnel unfolded on campus and in Mt. Pleasant that included more than 100 law enforcement personnel until he was captured during the early morning hours of March 3.

"As we have so often before, our campus and our community came together yesterday. I commend each of you for your actions to ensure campus safety, to apprehend the suspect and to support each other throughout the day," commented Ross. "We talk often about One CMU. Yesterday, we lived it."

He thanked law enforcement for their assistance, noting "you became part of our family yesterday," to those who provided support for others while a lockdown was in place, along with everyone that offered their best wishes to the university.

"Each of you, in your own way, upheld and expanded the strong sense of community that makes Central Michigan University and Mount Pleasant so special," said Ross. "Your responses have proven once again that communities have boundless strength ... which gives all of us hope for the future."

Ross, who announced in late January that he would step down on July 31 after eight years as CMU president, extended "comfort and care to each individual touched by this event" on behalf of the university.

"The support we have shared with each other since yesterday morning will be just as important in the days, weeks and months ahead," he said. "Together, we will begin to heal."

Counseling resources for students, staff, and faculty are available as follows:

Students seeking counseling services during Spring Break may contact the Listening Ear crisis line, a local, 24-hour referral line at 989-772-2918.

The CMU Counseling Center, in Foust 102, is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be contacted at 989-774-3381. Students can call or come to the center to make an appointment. Appointments are available daily for concerns requiring immediate attention.

Individuals who have concerns about the emotional well-being of a member of the CMU community may submit a Care Report.

Employee assistance through Encompass is available 24/7 at 800-788-8630 and online.